American Samoa

Regions

Navigation

Introducing American Samoa

Aptly named 'The Heart of Polynesia' and nestled deep in the
Samoan Archipelago, where the warm tropical waters of the South
Pacific Ocean greet white palm-fringed shores, lies the hidden
treasure of American Samoa.

Inhabited as early as 1000 BC by Polynesian navigators, Samoa
was 'discovered' by European explorers in the 18th century and
occupied by the US in 1900. Not to be confused with Western Samoa,
American Samoa comprises six islands located in the Samoan
Archipelago halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and while there
is a strong American influence in the islands, American Samoans
proudly retain their cultural heritage. It is advisable to respect
Samoan tradition and culture while visiting their country.

The main island of Tutuila is mountainous and wonderfully scenic
with good hiking in the National Park of American Samoa. Transport
round the island is cheap and buses operate from the market in
Fagatogo. There's the usual list of attractions including
waterfalls, villages, native wildlife, beaches, and archaeological
sites to see here. It is also home to the capital and only port of
call, Pago Pago, which is both an entertaining and informative
village and the US-style stores, restaurants and bars are a
refreshing change for anyone who has been travelling the Pacific
islands for long.

Boasting some of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches
anywhere in the South Pacific, and a warm and humid climate,
there's plenty of time to explore the biodiversity of marine life
found off the shores of the American Samoan islands. One such place
is Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a tropical reef
displaying flamboyant tropical fish, crabs, lobster, sharks and
octopus offering exciting snorkelling and diving.

The National park of American Samoa, which is essentially three
parks laid out across four extinct volcano islands, offers some of
the best scenery from miles of sparkling white shorelines, to some
of the most accessible coral reefs and verdant rainforests, such as
Lata Mountain on Ta'u, which surpasses all others in its wild and
remote forests, free-flowing streams and rugged coastline.

Two small guesthouses on the smaller Ofu and Olosega islands
provide affordable accommodation and all the amenities a traveller
could need. A local airline flies between Pago Pago and Ofu twice a
day. Mosquitoes are about the only nuisance here, and visitors are
advised to arm themselves with malaria prophylaxis and
repellent.

The weather is warm, the people hospitable and the country
exquisitely beautiful and the memory of American Samoa is one that
will be relived for years to come by those who visit here.

Become our American Samoa Travel Expert

We are looking for contributors for our American Samoa travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to American Samoa
or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.